MONTCALM COUNTY, MI - The Montcalm County Sheriff's deputy who was shot by a crossbow Friday night while attempting to arrest a man accused of assaulting a neighbor is in serious condition at a Grand Rapids hospital.
Staff at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital confirmed Michael Kotenko, a 13-year veteran with the sheriff's department, was in serious condition Saturday evening.
On Facebook, Susan Verplanck Kotenko, who identified herself as the deputy's mother, said Kotenko underwent surgery early Saturday morning.
She wrote that the tip of the arrow, allegedly fired by a man Kotenko and other law enforcement officials were attempting to arrest for allegedly stabbing a neighbor with a pitchfork, had come "close to his spine." She said Kotenko was able to move his legs.
"He has had several transfusions," said Susan Verplanck Kotenko, who could not be reached for further comment. "So very thankful he is alive. Pray for his recovery."
The shooting happened outside a mobile home on the 8000 block of Townline Lake Road near Lakeview.
The man they were attempting to arrest – identified by neighbors as Travis Lee Quay, 40 – had allegedly stabbed a neighbor with a pitchfork and threatened to burn down his neighbor's home on Friday morning. The neighbor suffered minor injuries and required a tetanus shot. Quay apparently became angry with his neighbor because he believed the neighbor had taken his marijuana.
Police came to the suspect's house during the day Friday, but he was not home. When they returned Friday night, Quay was holding a crossbow and allegedly shot the deputy. A state police trooper then shot and killed Quay.
On Facebook, other residents showed support for Kotenko, praising his character and asking the community to pray for his speedy recovery. One person said Kotenko was "a great guy who always has my back."
Brian McVicar covers education for MLive and The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at bmcvicar@mlive.com or follow him on acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
Poster Comment:
The man they were attempting to arrest – identified by neighbors as Travis Lee Quay, 40 – had allegedly stabbed a neighbor with a pitchfork and threatened to burn down his neighbor's home on Friday morning. The neighbor suffered minor injuries and required a tetanus shot. Quay apparently became angry with his neighbor because he believed the neighbor had taken his marijuana.
Drugs... such a wonderful thing.
